Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for protecting Ontario's forests and increasing resiliency of communities? Do you have a vested interest and passion for wildland fire risk reduction and mitigation? Do you want to help ensure people, communities, infrastructure and natural resources are protected from wildland fire? If so, then consider this challenging opportunity with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) Program.
About Us:
The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch provides forest fire management services for the province including fire management policies and strategies, fire prevention and detection, and the basic resources for managing forest fires; aviation flight and maintenance crews and equipment in support of forest fire and natural resources management, and other specialized aviation services, including non-scheduled air transport to all government ministries and agencies; and emergency management in response to forest fires, floods, drought/low water, dam failures, erosion, soil and bedrock instability, crude oil and natural gas exploration, natural gas and hydrocarbon underground storage, and salt solution mining emergencies.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
- a defined benefit pension plan
- comprehensive health plan
- life and disability insurance
- flexible work arrangements
- collegial and professional work culture
- career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
- on-the-job training to support your success in the role
The Mitigation and Partnerships unit of the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services is seeking a qualified candidate to support the development and delivery of modern FireSmart, mitigation, prevention, and public education programs to help mitigate the negative impacts of wildland fire in Ontario.
The Mitigation and Partnerships Unit is responsible for:
- Leading and supporting the development of Community Wildland Fire Protection Plans (CWPPs) in municipalities, Indigenous communities and unorganized territories.
- Leading and delivering the wildland fire risk mitigation program.
- Providing leadership and coordination for Ontario's FireSmart program, community risk assessments, and incentive programs.
- Developing and maintaining partnerships with provincial and federal government bodies, municipalities, indigenous communities, unorganized territories, industry, and non-governmental organizations.
- Educating the public on preparedness, mitigation and FireSmart through outreach and engagement activities.
- Leading and facilitating the fire suppression agreement program with municipalities, unorganized territories, indigenous communities, and the federal government.
As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, you will:
- provide guidance, mentoring and technical support to organizations for wildland fire management planning, fire use, staff and external partner training, forest fire management agreements, and wildland fire response
- liaise with and provide expert advice to the Office of the Fire Marshall for wildland fire services, fire use, fire investigation, training, and fire response
- monitor and provide input into proposed legislation, direction, and decisions relating to open burning and other wildland fire management matters
- provide wildland fire advisory services and recommendations to numerous groups and community programs; specifically related to wildland fire prevention, mitigation, and community wildland fire protection planning
- design and deliver the FireSmart program to key partners including Indigenous communities, municipalities, unincorporated territories, and industry stakeholders
- participate in the education and marketing of FireSmart, wildland fire management planning, wildland urban interface and fire use throughout the fire region of Ontario
Note: the position requires the ability to travel frequently and work irregular hours including evenings and weekends.
- You must have a valid class 'G' driver's license or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
- You have extensive knowledge of forest fire management, suppression tactics, training standards, fire behavior, prescribed burning guidelines and principles to provide direction, guidance, interpretation and training to internal and external clients.
- You have demonstrated knowledge of integrated resource management principles and practices, as well as roles and responsibilities of various government agencies, ministries and stakeholders.
- You have proven experience in fire suppression tactics, fire behavior prediction system, fire risk assessments and fire investigation techniques in order to provide advice and training to clients and to fulfill a fire line function during periods of fire escalation.
- You have the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, such as Occupational Health and Safety Act, Forest Fires Prevention Act and the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to provide information and analysis as well as formulate options and recommendations for fire management.
- You have strong facilitation and negotiation skills to develop and establish partnerships that are in the interest of the Ministry.
- You have tact, discretion and motivation skills to encourage various individuals and groups to voice their views at meetings, planning sessions and reviews.
- You have oral communication skills to make presentations to managers, other professionals, stakeholders and the public.
- You have technical report writing skills to produce reports, plans, and presentations.
- You have sound project management skills to organize and implement project plans.
- You can work on multiple assignments concurrently and meet deadlines.
- You can work independently with minimal direct supervision.
- You have analytical and research skills to review and evaluate plans and provide recommendations.
- You have critical thinking skills to understand complex issues and determine solutions through analysis, research, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and forward thinking.
- You have computer skills for writing technical reports complete with charts, diagrams, and for data compression/storage.
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
- diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- accessibility
- Anti-Racism Policy
